I am buying a 1988 Dana 60 and a 1993 Sterling rear with the disc brake conversion. The axles are already set up for a TJ, so they seem like a great deal to me. These axles are going under a 2006 LJ Rubicon set up with a Genright 4 link rear and RE long arms in the front. Both diffs need to be regeared and I want to add lockers while I get the gearing done. The questions I have are:

1. Which locker would be best suited for the front? It has lockouts so I could go with a Detroit, but I also like the on/off function an ARB. Is the ARB worth the extra $300

2. What would work best in the rear. Again a Detroit is simple and cheaper, but would the ARB be better for a daily driver.

3. Any recommendations for a R&P brand and install kits?

4. If I went for cash savings now and just regeared with no lockers, how hard is it to throw lockers in later? Is it as bad as a regear, or can an average mechanic do it?

I appreciate any suggestions you all have. I want to purchase everything in the next few days.

Joe

It really depends on what you plan to do with the Jeep.

1. Detroits can be effective in the front, but limit your ability to turn. Also not advisable in ice. Detroits are also very durable. ARB's are selectable, but need to be installed by someone who knows what they are doing. Take caution when running the air lines.

2. Coming from a guy that has had a Detroit in the rear for 20 years, they can really push you around... They take getting used to. With caution on acceleration and deceleration they are fine, but annoying in the log run... Also bad when someone else hops in your Jeep to drive on road. If a daily driver, I recomment ARB

3. Get a good brand name... Yukon, Spicer...

4. Installing gears takes someone who knows how to set backlash and several other things. One mistake wheelers make is taking partial steps and thinking it will be cheap to change something in the future, which ultimately leads to unneeded expense... Plan your project through... Take a little extra time and spend the money you save on upgrades, gas or better yet - BEER

Good luck

x2 on the ARB. if your going to be street driving it alot, spend the extra money for the ARBs. you will pay for them, with the tires you save.

Thanks for the advice guys. I pretty well new the answer, but my cheap ass was trying to talk myself out of it.

Joe

I am buying a 1988 Dana 60 and a 1993 Sterling rear with the disc brake conversion. The axles are already set up for a TJ, so they seem like a great deal to me. These axles are going under a 2006 LJ Rubicon set up with a Genright 4 link rear and RE long arms in the front. Both diffs need to be regeared and I want to add lockers while I get the gearing done. The questions I have are:

1. Which locker would be best suited for the front? It has lockouts so I could go with a Detroit, but I also like the on/off function an ARB. Is the ARB worth the extra $300
I think selectable lockers are over rated for the average Joe. Get a good auto locker and you'll be happier and wealthier. Much less to hassle with, costs less and easy to maintain.


2. What would work best in the rear. Again a Detroit is simple and cheaper, but would the ARB be better for a daily driver.
I would again say an automatic locker.

3. Any recommendations for a R&P brand and install kits?
I got some G2 that have a lifetime warranty. Two years later with a lot of thrashing they're going great.

4. If I went for cash savings now and just regeared with no lockers, how hard is it to throw lockers in later? Is it as bad as a regear, or can an average mechanic do it?
This depends on the locker. With a full locker like most selectables, yes, you'd have to reset the gears. With most selectables, they just replace the spider gears and the R&P does not have to be reset.

I appreciate any suggestions you all have. I want to purchase everything in the next few days.

Joe

See bold suggestions.

With most selectables, they just replace the spider gears and the R&P does not have to be reset..

what?:confused:

With most selectables, they just replace the spider gears and the R&P does not have to be reset.

WRONG. With the ARB's and detroit's the entire carrier is replaced.

lunchbox lockers replace the spiders, lockrites, aussies, ect every selectable ive seen has been a full carrier replacement (meaning you have to re-set the gearing.(arbs,ox,elocker) detroits are also a full carrier

Yes, my bad. Got to typing and mixed up selectables and auto-lockers. Skin me, burn me, scourage me...I fuked up.